Greater Cleveland Food Bank “Taste of the Browns”

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the Cleveland Browns celebrated 26 years of our city’s love of sports and our acclaimed culinary talents at “Taste of the Browns.”

The major annual fundraiser for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, “Taste of the Browns” has raised more than $4 million since 1999. Every dollar raised helps the food bank provide three nutritious meals to the community. More than 750 guests attended the fundraiser in the 7UP City Club at Huntington Bank Field and raised enough money to supply a million meals.

“Last year, the food bank served more than 401,000 people in need in six Northeast Ohio counties and the numbers continue to remain high,” Kristin Warzocha, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank said. “With your support, we can help ease the burden for our neighbors right here in our community so that they won’t have to choose between food and medicine, or food and utilities.”

Honorary co-chairs, Cleveland Browns All-Pro Guard Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns legend Hanford Dixon and Chef Rocco Whalen of Fahrenheit, were joined by other current Cleveland Browns players and alumni to raise awareness and funds for local families. This year’s fundraiser featured

some of the region’s finest restaurants. Guests were able to sample the city’s best cuisine and mingle with current Browns players and alumni. A silent auction was available to bid on throughout the evening. Musical entertainment was provided by Rachel Short and the Underwoods. STORY BY

CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOS BY ERIC EAKIN.